Peter I of Russia, known as Peter the Great, embarked on a policy of western and expansion that was supposed to strengthen the Russian Empire. This policy manifested itself in the construction of the new city of Saint Petersburg, where a completely different way of building is dominant. One of the palaces was built by the Winter Palace, which was supposed to reflect the power of Tsarist Russia and which has undergone several changes during its existence. It was the royal residence of the Russian Emperors, and numerous changes also suffered during the reign of Katarina the Great, when several palaces were added, from when these palaces became the center of culture. Later this palace will become known as Hermitage.
Catherine the Great (C) transformed the residence in St. Petersburg, the Hermitage, into a center of culture, paintings, and performing arts. It still stands as a great museum of art today.
